Rotherham United 1 Cambridge United 0: Bowery’s header ensures Millers progress
Bowery’s header right at the end of the first half proved to be the difference between the Championship and League Two teams at the New York Stadium.
Cambridge’s Keith Keane had the first shot of the match, but his 25-yard effort was dragged wide.
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Hide AdFormer Rotherham loanee Jordan Slew then blasted over the bar from inside the box as the visitors made the brighter opening.
Rotherham responded and striker Matt Derbyshire almost had a stroke of fortune as he deflected Joe Newell’s cross with his head just over the bar.
It took until stoppage time at the end of the first half for the deadlock to be broken when Bowery got free at the back post to head in the impressive Newell’s centre.
Rotherham had a host of chances to extend their lead in the second period.
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Hide AdBowery continued to look lively and after being found by Aidy White cut inside and curled an effort wide of Chris Dunn’s far post.
Derbyshire nodded a White cross just wide as the difference in quality between the two teams became more apparent.
Conor Newton, who left Rotherham in the summer, fired a late shot on target but Kelle Roos pushed it away.
For Millers manager Steve Evans it was a good response following Saturday’s heavy defeat to MK Dons.
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Hide AdEvans said: “We were very mindful that a number of Championship teams went out in the first round last year and we just wanted to be in the draw.
“We had to take the criticism from Saturday and rightfully so. If I’d have paid in, I’d have been criticising as well.
“If we’d have got the second goal then it could have been any score but you’ve got to give full credit to Cambridge United.
“We possibly should have won three or four but the game is all about taking chances. There is a lot of pleasing aspects and I think there were a lot of people hurting from Saturday.”
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Hide AdRotherham: Roos, Buxton (Richardson 76), Collins, Halford, Newell (G Ward 74), Ledesma, Frecklington, Smallwood, White, Bowery (D Ward 80), Derbyshire. Unused substitutes: Maguire,Green,Collin,Thorpe.
Cambridge Utd: Dunn, Roberts, Coulson, Taft, Omozusi, Berry, Keane, Taylor (Dunk 64), Simpson (Donaldson 64), Carr (Newton 64), Slew. Unused substitutes: Beasant, Morrissey, Liam Hughes, Chiedozie.
Referee: C Sarginson (Staffordshire).